Leaning down, he placed a kiss on her lips. “Rest a bit, then go grab a shower. I am going to go get Derek and grab some breakfast before I meet with Diesel and Reaper.”
“That sounds great, if I can get my legs to cooperate.”
Laughing Sledge stood up and walked to the closet to find clothes. “We have to figure out who was in here last night and why. Whoever it was, knew I wouldn’t be in here for a while and were ballsy as fuck.”
“Right. But what could they have been looking for? And why in here? Why not your office? Just doesn’t make sense.”
Sledge turned to face her as he pulled his shirt on over his head. “Shit! I never even thought to look in my office.”
Sledge hurried to the bed, grabbed his phone off the table and called Reaper. “What’s up?” Reaper answered on the second ring.
“Hey, check my office. Beth and I were just talking and she had a great point. Why search my room? If someone is after information, or looking for something that has to do with the club, all of that is in my office.”
“I’m on it. By the way, Derek is here in the kitchen eating breakfast with Amber and me,” Reaper relied.
“Okay, be down there in a few minutes,” he said, disconnecting the call. Turning to Beth, he kissed the top of her head. “You are a genius, woman. And Zander said Derek is already eating breakfast with him and Amber; so hurry and get showered, we’ll go eat together.”
Sledge pulled Beth off the bed and slapped her ass as she walked to the bathroom. Damn, he loved that woman more than anything.
Twenty minutes later, they were walking into the kitchen. Sledge looked to his table and saw Reaper was sitting with Amber, Derek, and Diesel, and he looked pissed. Grabbing a cup of coffee, he made his way to the table.
“It’s trashed,” Reaper said before Sledge could even sit down.
“Did you look at the video from the camera?” Only certain places around the clubhouse were recorded. Sledge’s office entrance was one of them.
“Not yet, was waiting on you.”
“Okay. Let’s get it done then. We need to know who the fuck it is.” Before Sledge could stand up, his cell phone began to ring. Pulling it from his pocket, he looked at the screen but didn’t recognize the number.
Sledge heard Beth gasp next to him. “That’s my father!” she whisper-screamed next to him.
Seriously, he thought to himself. What are the fucking odds of his bedroom being searched, his office getting trashed, and Beth’s father calling him, of all people, in less than twenty-four hours?
“Sledge,” he answered.
“Devin, this is Senator Jonathan Andrews. I am looking for my daughter Elizabeth and my grandson Derek. Have you seen them by any chance?” Beth’s father asked. Something in his voice grated on Sledge’s nerves. Like he knew they were there already. But how?
“Senator. I am sorry, but I haven’t seen your daughter in eight years and know nothing about a grandson,” Sledge replied. The annoyance in his voice, he was sure the senator could hear, could work in his favor.
“Are you sure? Because I was told that they were seen in your area and I figured Elizabeth would run to you to protect herself and your son?” The fucker was toying with him, Sledge knew. Waiting for his reaction to the words ‘your son’.
“Senator, I am very sure and I am sorry but I don’t have a son.” Sledge felt sick just saying those words. He saw Derek’s head turn in his direction. Sledge put a finger to his lips, trying to tell Derek not to say anything. He watched as Amber leaned over to his son and whispered something in his ear. Derek inclined his head, indicating he understood and then smiled at Sledge. The sickness of the lie eased some. “Not to mention, why would Beth need protecting?” he continued.
“Well, let me know when you do see them. Maybe look a little harder.” Beth’s father ended the call, leaving Sledge just staring at the phone in his hand.
“He knows I’m here,” he heard Beth whisper. He could hear the fear in her voice.
“I think you’re right. But even if he does, he can’t get to you or Derek while y’all are on clubhouse grounds.”
“Do you think whoever went through your room and trashed your office, was looking for proof of Beth and Derek living here?” Reaper asked.
“If they were, why not just take a picture of them and send it to her father?” It didn’t add up. Whoever was snooping, was after something else. But again, what? And who?
“I think it’s time to view the videos. See if we can find out who is behind the break-ins,” Diesel said, standing from the table.
“I think you're right, D. Let’s go,” Sledge said. Leaning over, he gave Beth a quick kiss and walked over to Derek.
“You know, I only said that stuff on the phone to keep you and your mom safe, right?” he needed to know that his son was okay.
“I know dad. Aunt Amber explained it to me.” Derek reached up and hugged Sledge around the neck. The feeling caused a blast of warmth to fill Sledge. He would die to protect his family. Or kill. And not think twice about it.
“I love you, Son.”
“I love you too, Dad.” Sledge kissed the top of Derek’s head then ruffled his hair.
“See y’all later. Love you, babe,” he said turning back to Beth.
“Love you too, handsome,” she smiled, but Sledge could still see the fear in her eyes. It tore at his heart. In that moment, he promised himself he would do anything to remove that look from her beautiful face.
Chapter Sixteen
Beth
Beth sat at the kitchen table listening to the conversation Devin was having with her father. He found her. She knew it. How could she have ever thought she would be safe here, or anywhere. Her father’s reach was too far and wide. What was she going to do? Stay or leave?
After saying goodbye to Devin and the guys, all Beth wanted to do was run and hide. But where could she go? She and Derek could leave. But, she knew she couldn’t do that. She couldn’t take Derek away from his father. It would rip both of their hearts out. And how could she leave either one of them?
Frustrated, Beth stood from the table, “Let’s go to the room, Derek.”
She watched as Derek got up from his seat and carried his trash to the garbage can.
“Everything will be okay, Beth,” Amber told her.
“No it won’t, Amber! If my father can find me here, he can find me anywhere.” Beth was close to hysterics.
Amber grabbed her by the arm and walked with her and Derek to their room. Opening the door, she ushered them inside. After putting a movie on for Derek, Amber pulled Beth to the side.
“Beth, you need to calm down.”
“That is easier said than done, Amber! You didn’t see my father shoot that man in cold blood!”
“I realize that, but Derek will freak out if you don’t calm the fuck down!”
Beth knew she was right. Taking a deep breath, she tried to control her emotions. Over and over again. She knew she needed to think. She had to figure out a way to keep Derek safe.
“Maybe I should leave,” she thought out loud.
“What? Are you crazy?” Amber demanded, “You cannot take Derek and run! What about Devin? You would gut him!”
“I know,” Beth sat on the bed, feeling completely defeated.
What the hell was she going to do? Looking at Derek sitting on the floor watching television, she knew she could never take him away from Devin. The only other option was to leave him here. She knew Devin and the club would keep him safe. It would be easier for Beth to hide if she was alone. Nobody would be looking for a woman alone.
“Beth, listen to me. Devin will protect both of you. He would die before he let anything happen to either of you.”
“I know Amber, that’s what scares me. I would never survive if something happened to Devin or Derek.”
“Let Devin handle this. It’s what he’s good at,” Amber begged.
“Okay,” Beth agreed. She would wait to see what Devin c
ould figure out before she made a decision.
Walking over to Derek, she sat down beside him and pulled him close. If she was going to have to run, she at least wanted him to have a good last memory of her. Silently, Beth let the tears fall, knowing Amber was watching her break, but unable to do anything about it.
After the movie, Beth, Derek, and Amber left the room and headed for the pool. Maybe a little sun would help to lift her spirits? Beth was feeling as if her world was closing in around her. She needed fresh air, but didn’t want to leave Derek. Stepping outside, she watched as her son ran for the pool and cannonballed into the water. Derek popped back to the surface with a high-pitched laugh. Yep, this was exactly what Beth needed. Hearing her son’s laughter lightened the load on her heart. If she had to run, she would carry that sound with her always.
“Feeling better?” Amber asked, seeing the smile on Beth’s face.
“Better? No. But hearing Derek’s laughter warms my heart.” All she could do was be honest. There was no way she would lie to Amber, even if it meant she would tell Devin.
“Beth, you and Derek cannot...” but Beth interrupted her before she could finish.
“If I have to run, I won’t be taking Derek, Amber,” she said turning to face her friend. She would miss Amber too. “Promise me, if I have to leave, you will watch over him. Keep him safe and let him know every day how much I love him. Please!” Beth’s heart was already breaking. She knew what her father was capable of.
“Beth, please!” Now it was Amber’s turn to freak out.
“Promise me!” Beth demanded. “Derek would be safer here. My father wants me. Not him. Plus, leaving alone would keep me safer. Nobody would be looking for a woman alone. Now, promise me Amber!”
“I promise,” her friend whispered.
The day continued but with a depressing tone to it. The call from Beth’s father had shattered the carefree atmosphere that was once present in the clubhouse. So many people came and went, each feeling the knife-sharp edge that seemed all to present.
Beth hadn’t seen Devin since breakfast. Once, Reaper came out by the pool to remind Amber that it was lunch and she needed to eat. Since becoming pregnant, Reaper’s protectiveness over his wife had only grown.
Sitting in the kitchen, Beth could barely touch her sandwich. Her nerves were shot. She was constantly on edge; every noise would make her jump.
“Oh look, if it isn’t the princess herself,” Beth looked up to see Candy sneering at her. “Because of you, the clubhouse is on lockdown!”
“Because of me? What the hell are you talking about, Candy?” Beth asked. Something about this woman irritated the fuck out of her.
Before she could answer, Diesel stepped into the room. “Back the fuck off, Candy!” his voice rumbled across the room, deep and deadly.
Candy froze midway across the room. “But D, the girls and I were supposed to go shopping today. But since princess here has daddy issues, we’re all stuck here,” she pouted.
“Shut the fuck up, Candy!” Diesel replied.
Beth could tell by his tone and the way he spoke that he was pissed. Diesel never cussed at a woman. He was always full of charm and smiles. This was a side Beth had never seen before; and if the look on Amber’s face was anything to go by, neither had she.
“I’m going to say this one time Candy, and one time only. So listen closely. If you ever speak to Beth like that again, I will personally throw your ass out of here. Your free ride will be over. Am. I. Understood?” he punctuated each word by taking a step closer to her.
“Yes,” she whispered, clearly scared.
“Good. Now get lost,” Diesel was at the end of his patience. “Oh and Candy,” he called as she started to leave the room.
“Yeah?” she replied.
“You and the girls are welcome to leave at any time. However, once you cross through the fence, you are not allowed to re-enter the property until the lockdown has been lifted.”
“Oh. I... I think we will just go... go watch some TV,” she stammered.
Diesel ignored her and walked over to the fridge. Leaning in, he grabbed a beer. Beth almost felt sorry for the club whore, almost. Being on the receiving end of Diesel’s temper was scary as fuck, and not a place Beth ever wanted to be. But she was also concerned about what caused the flare up to begin with.
“Diesel, what’s wrong?” she needed to know if it was something about her father and the meetings he’d been in with Devin and Reaper.
Beth watched as Diesel walked over to her, then placed a kiss on the top of her head, then on Amber’s. The gesture was a total one-eighty from his previous mood when dealing with Candy.
“Nothing is wrong; however, I will not tolerate a club whore making you, Amber, or Derek feel as if you don’t belong here. You’re more important than they are. They will either understand their place, or leave. There is no ‘in-between’,” he told her. Ruffling Derek’s hair, he walked back out of the door.
“Well, that was interesting.” Amber’s voice broke the silence that filled the room after Diesel’s exit.
It was definitely interesting, but Candy did have a point. By being here, Beth was disrupting the flow of the clubhouse. Maybe she was right and Diesel was wrong. Maybe Beth really did need to leave so life could go back to normal for everyone. So Devin and Derek could be safe.
Chapter Seventeen
Sledge
Walking into his office, Sledge looked around at the mess. The filing cabinet looked like someone tried to pry it open, but was unsuccessful. The papers on his desk were thrown around the room.
“Whoever it was, they couldn’t get into the computer,” Reaper informed him. “They tried, but after entering the wrong password several times, the system automatically shut itself down. Without your thumbprint, it won’t reboot.”
“We’ll start there. I’ll bring up the camera and we can see who it was.” Sledge walked around his desk, picking up paper along the way.
Righting his chair, he sat at his desk and placed his thumb on the hidden scanner. Seconds later, his computer powered on and he signed in. As the computer loaded, Diesel handed him the remaining papers that were spread across the floor.
“Apparently, whoever it was didn’t care about the bar inventory or bills,” Diesel said.
“Apparently not.”
Once the computer was loaded, Sledge opened the camera program and clicked to view the file storage for his office. The three of them huddled around the screen watching. At 1:43 am, a dark figure approached his door and jiggled the handle.
“That looks like a woman,” Reaper said to nobody in particular. Both Diesel and Sledge agreed. The figure was small, and held none of the bulk that the Henchmen carried.
The guys watched as the figure left without entering the room, but moments later, she was back. Using a lock picking set, they watched as she opened the door and disappeared inside the door, closing the door behind her. Still watching, they noticed she never turned on the light. Nothing showed under the door.
“Professional,” replied Diesel. “An amateur would have flipped on the lights.” Again, they all agreed.
“How the fuck did a professional get into the clubhouse?” Sledge demanded.
“Pull up the video of the entrance,” Reaper told Sledge. “Who was on last night?” he looked to Diesel.
“Viper.” All three men groaned.
Clicking on the data file for the entrance, the guys watched as club members and the normal club girls came and went throughout the day and night. Nobody entered or left that was unknown.
Sitting back in his chair, Sledge said the one thing that made his stomach turn to lead. “She is one of ours.”
“So, we have a mother-fuckin’ traitor in our club,” Reaper fumed.
“Pull the office video back up,” Diesel said.
“Why? We can’t see her fuckin’ face!” Sledge barked.
“Just pull it up! Maybe if we can figure out some characteristics, we can at least
narrow it down!” Diesel barked back.
“That’s actually a good idea,” Sledge conceded. He knew he was out of line yelling at his SA, but he was fuckin’ livid! Whoever this woman was, lived off his dime and to betray him was the ultimate slap in the face.
Clicking back on the video, Sledge played it in slow motion. Trying to gauge any features of the violator.
“Okay stop,” Diesel said. “Look. It looks like her head is about 3/4th of the way up the door frame. That would put her around my height.”
“That means it narrows it down to Stella, Victoria, and Deedra,” Reaper concluded.
“I can’t see any of those woman breaking into my office, or my damn bedroom.” Those women came to the clubhouse after the Henchmen rescued them from a human trafficking ring about ten months ago.
“Honestly, I can’t either,” Diesel agreed. “We have to be missing something.”
The guys looked back through the tape one more time. Then moved on to other locations around the compound to see if they could find something, anything that seemed to raise a flag, but they found nothing.
Making a decision he hated, Sledge ordered, “Put covert surveillance on the girls.”
Pulling his phone from his pocket, Diesel sent messages to his team. His job, as Sergeant at Arms, was to ensure the safety of club members, to make sure they all followed the rules.
“Done,” he relayed after getting confirmations that everyone received his order.
“Now, Beth’s father...” This was another topic that Sledge wished he could avoid. “Something about his voice rubbed me the wrong way. He knew I was lying about Beth and Derek being here. But how? And are these two events - the break-in and Beth’s father, possibly related?”
“Personally, I’d like to think they are two separate instances, but my gut tells me they’re connected.” Reaper’s gut had always served him well. So he constantly followed it.
The President: Devil's Henchmen MC, Book Two Page 8